Reader memories of Gratiot Drive-In fuel Macomb Daily Facebook frenzy

When the Gratiot Drive-In was built in 1948, near Masonic and Gratiot, it was billed as the “world’s largest drive-in” theater. The complex offered free pony rides, a merry-go-round and other playground attractions, along with a large restaurant that warmed baby bottles for guests; a colored lights waterfall simulated Niagara Falls.

In 1984, the powers that be knocked down the complex and converted the 22-acre site into a shopping center.

Although a few of the comments were, ahem, not family newspaper appropriate, for your reading pleasure, we’ve compiled a few of our favorites.

Garnet Robinson of Rogers City said: “I remember it well for lots of reasons. One of which is that my dad sold the first load of lumber to start building it when he worked at John’s Lumber.”

“We would make a big bag of popcorn, put the kids in their PJ’s and off we’d go!” said Valerie Genaw.

“Uncle Rick and I had our first date there. Along with a lot of other dates,” said Debbie Driskill. “I loved the drive in. Wish it would make a come back.”

Barbara Becker Martinelli said: “I remember. It was something to see when the water fall was running and the colored lights were on.”

Anthony Vitello said, “Five guys in the trunk of the car ... two guys driving in ... Two cases of beer ... now that`s a party!!! The good old days!”

“My parents took my brothers and me to see Snow White and all I remember is falling asleep on the hood of their Monte Carlo. I’d almost forgotten that memory until I saw this picture,” said Jenn Hoffa Duncan.

“I remember going here with three friends in my black Cutlass and two more in the trunk along with a couple cases of Stroh’s,” said Joseph C. Evola. “We saw Blazing Saddles that night.”

Jennifer McGuire said, “My Grandpa managed both the Gratiot and the Bel Air. We spent a lot of time there. Good times!”

“Good ole days when things seemed simple ... Mom and Dad took us there many times...Dad made popcorn and we brought our own pop...” said Donna Wolverton-Yeadon.

“My father-in-law and his brother-in-law were the projectionists at the Gratiot for many years,” said Carolyn Riddle-Linington. “It’s where my husband learned the trade. What great memories. This is one photo we don’t have, thanks for sharing.”

MaryLou LeForce said: “Of course. And I remember when the waterfall in front worked and my parents let me go on the swings, seesaw and the little boats in water before the movie started. That was in the 1950’s ...

“I miss those days going there. Everything seemed so simple. Last movie I saw there was Lion King with the kids,” Lisa Minauro said.

Ken Stephens said: “My dad told us they used to have a waterfall there ... kids use to put soap in there and it would foam up over the top ... they ended up stopping the waterfall part. I spent many a weekends in that place.”

“OMG I remember this place! It was a HUGE treat to go with my friend’s family,” said Irene Grumbling.

Kristina Crockett: “I always talk about how sad it is I can’t share these memories with my son. Some of the best memories from my childhood.”

“OMG. The Gratiot Drive-In ... rolling around the station wagon in our pajamas!!!” said Suzan Zobl.

“That’s where I saw “Jaws”! Scared the life ouf of me at that age ...” said Lili Sotolongo.

Kenneth Holland said: “That’s where grandma worked for years.”

Mary Watters Bevan said: “I sure do. Me and Chet used to take out kids there in their pajamas!”

Judith Fletcher Lowe said: “Saw Breakfast at Tiffany’s there with my now husband on our first date.”

Cathy Collins Mazey said: “I had my first kiss (kisses) here.”

“I do!!! Nuff said!!” said Bob Mueller

“This drive-in surely taught a lot of us the facts of life ... LOL,” said Jackie Bondar.

About the Author

Maryanne Macleod previously covered local food, health and parenting, and was the community engagement editor for The Macomb Daily, the Daily Tribune, the Advisor and Source and The Voice News. Reach the author at Maryanne.macleod@beamont.org
or follow Maryanne on Twitter: @MaryanneMacLeod.